US States Rethink Climate Laws as Gas Prices Spike

As countries and consumers embrace renewable energy in the wake of the Iran war, skyrocketing gasoline prices in the US are fueling efforts to weaken state climate laws.

Renewable energy mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generally have little impact on US gas prices, according to experts. But the growing pain at the pump has charged debates in California, Massachusetts, Michigan and New York over whether climate action is affordable as households face rising costs for electricity, groceries and housing.

“The war in Iran is driving up gas prices at the pump to the breaking point for too ...